Visa screens?? Australian nurse wanting to work in USA

World Immigration

Published

Hi all,

I'm a nurse from Australia and am undertaking the LOOONNGG process of getting my nursing reg to the states. I'm planning on working in Colorado. I have to do 2 courses to make up hours in paeds and obstetrics, and then i'm planning on applying to Vermont (Q1. Is vermont good to go through?) Also from there I will sit the NCLEX, Q2. it doesn't matter what state I sit the NCLEX in does it?

Q 3. I've just come across visa screens and have no clue what this is?? can anyone give me some info?

Q4. After I sit the NCLEX, whats the process in order to work in the US? Is all I have to do is find a hospital to sponsor me (or go through an agency?) Is there much paperwork to do after I have sat the NCLEX?

Any advice would be appreciated, I'm feeling very overwhelmed!!!

Cheers :bugeyes:

Specializes in dialysis.

Even as a Australia Nurse, it's not that easy to get E3visa in USA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

I found it easy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Am currently working in Maryland on an H1C visa - very restricting and would like to know what it would take to convert to an E3 visa. I have my BSN and Diploma of Nursing but not sure how to go about the process of obtaining this visa. I also have a green card application in progress but with retrogression its going nowhere - PD Sep 2006. Would this effect my status if I applied for a E3 visa? How long and hard is this process? Cheers

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Depends if you have an employer lined up. They need to write you a job offer letter and fill out LCA online. That takes no time really. Then you just go to consulate outside the US, pay the USD $130 fee and get the visa. You need to provide evidence of your education etc.

It's easier and faster to leave the US to get a new one than to do a change of status in the US.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Depends if you have an employer lined up. They need to write you a job offer letter and fill out LCA online. That takes no time really. Then you just go to consulate outside the US, pay the USD $130 fee and get the visa. You need to provide evidence of your education etc.

It's easier and faster to leave the US to get a new one than to do a change of status in the US.

Thanks Ghillbert, I may contact a hospital to find out status - all I need is a Job offer letter from employer. What about the LCA? Also, do you know what the implications are about the green card whether this application for an E3 will affect status.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in dialysis.

Does visa screen need to be done for the E3 visa?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have another question regarding the process of obtaining an E3 visa - if I decide to continue with the same employer do they have to prove the job I am currently working in is a difficult to hire for specialty? Can I remain with same employer? If I decide to switch employers - do I have to leave the USA with family in tow altogether? ie return to Australia or like others have done gone to Canada. Can the visa be transferable to current job? Do I have to reapply for same position using the E3 visa with current employer? There's a lot to think about and get into order and having a heads up helps. Sorry bout all the questions but everything helps especially when there have already been people that have been and done it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Your current employer could do the LCA and write you the job offer letter. They just need to get the LCA approved, this means that the job position meets the visa requirements. The E3 USCIS memo states that pending immigrant visa is not a reason to deny E3.

You would not HAVE to leave the country, but they prefer your first E3 application to be made in Australia. Others have done Mexico city, Canada. Your family can enter as E3 dependents, and your spouse can work on E3D visa.

You do need visa screen for E3 visas, as you do for all employment-based visas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ghillbert, can you inform me what specialty you are in? Was it a problem getting a job description for a general nurse position? Are there many nurses working in the USA on the E3 visa and what specialties are you in?

I have a friend also an Aussie, with no degree but old school trained in General nurse training Certificate of Nursing. What and how would she be eligible for the E3? Background Midwifery. Mines ICU/ PACU

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

In theory it should not be hard to get E3, because the requirement is to be "skilled professional" with a bachelor degree. I know people have got them for all sorts of computer jobs, entertainment, marketing etc from another forum that I read. It doesn't sound like they are too strict as long as the position and you meet requirements, and it's a genuine job offer and not some dodgy consultancy thing.

Your friend might be eligible for an E3 using experience instead of degree if she has at least 12 years experience... BUT.. you generally need a bachelor degree to get a US nursing license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Crazy re BSN rule, but she already has her NCLEX and is currently working in USA on temp visa but we figured the E3 may be the way to go for the sake of family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

How is working in the US if she has no degree? Which state? In that case what type of visa is she working on? You should really give all the information first to avoid inaccurate answers - this really changes the situation.

If for example she is on H1B, then switching to E3 is smart because it permits the dependent spouse to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment